Editing RNA to create a new type of pain relief
Official title: Site-directed RNA editing of Nav1.7 as a novel analgesic
Funded at Marine Biological Laboratory · NIH-10398386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with chronic pain by using a special technique to change a part of the body that sends pain signals, aiming to provide relief without the risk of addiction that comes with regular pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marine Biological Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Woods Hole, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $6,789,851 |
| NIH project number | 1U19NS126038-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10398386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who suffer from chronic pain conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel method for treating chronic pain by using site-directed RNA editing to modify the NaV1.7 sodium channel, which is crucial for pain signaling in the body. The approach aims to change the ion selectivity of this channel, potentially reducing pain without the addictive side effects associated with traditional analgesics. By altering the RNA that encodes this channel, the researchers hope to create a new, non-addictive pain relief option for patients suffering from chronic pain. This innovative technique could provide a safer alternative to current pain management strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new class of non-addictive pain relief options for patients with chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of RNA editing is relatively novel, similar strategies targeting ion channels have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Marine Biological Laboratory
Woods Hole, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Joshua J.c. — Marine Biological Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Joshua J.c.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.